Northern Europe, Viking / Norse, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. A stunning 22 karat gold ring comprised of twisted gold wires that are hammered and welded to the shank - displaying traditional Viking techniques. Comprised of such high karat gold, this ring would have belonged to an elite individual. See more on Viking gold rings as a status of wealth below. US ring size: 7.25 Size: 1" in diameter (2.5 cm), opening .75" in diameter (1.9 cm) Weight: 8.3 grams

Since many Vikings did not have a standard minted currency available to them, they elected to keep their wealth in the form of jewelry made from precious metals. A common practice seems to have been to amass a hoard of these objects and then deposit them in rivers. Gold rings - like all gold objects - were rare, and are only found in graves of the highest status. In pagan Viking culture, so roughly before the turn of the millennium, gold rings were used to swear oaths on and as markers of the godi, members of the Thing (governing assembly); some scholars have speculated that their deposition in hoards was an attempt to save them from violation with the coming sweep of Christianity. Perhaps this ring has a similar history.

Provenance: private L. S. Farrow collection, Colchester Borough, United Kingdom; acquired between the late 1970's and early 1980's

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#125886

Nice hammering marks on plain section of shank. Overall superb.